STRUGGLING families are getting vital support from volunteers as they raise their young children.

Home Start Kennet connects families to caring volunteers and is one of Marlborough mayor Mervyn Hall’s charities of 2018.

Sally Green, 37, received help when her twins, now seven, were born. She was unable to drive and had a partner who regularly worked away. She was cut off, living in remote Bromhan and missed having company. Home Start Kennet organised for a volunteer to begin making visits.

Ms Green said: “It was something to look forward to each week. We formed a real bond. It was nice not to need to ask my family for help because I knew that my volunteer was coming and would have something to look forward to.”The mum was so inspired that she decided to volunteer herself, and now visits a family every week.

She said:“Home start’s work is so essential to any families who might be struggling.”

This year Home Start Kennet celebrates its 30th anniversary and is throwing an anniversary party on Saturday night.

Email homestartkennet.a@btconnect.com or call 01672569457 for details on how to attend the formal celebration.